Chemokine binding polypeptides for treating autoimmunity, and inflammation

Abstract

Novel polypeptides comprising a chemokine-binding peptide and an Fc fragment are disclosed. The polypeptides are capable of binding to certain chemokines so as to modulate their activity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate in vivo chemokine-dependent processes such as inflammation and autoimmunity, and to treat associated conditions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of polypeptide comprising at least one chemokine-binding peptide attached to an Fc domain, wherein said chemokine-binding peptide has the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76, thereby treating the condition. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 159. 
     
     
         3 . A method of inhibiting malignant cell growth and cell metastasis, the method comprising contacting the cell with a polypeptide comprising at least one chemokine-binding peptide attached to an Fc domain, wherein said chemokine-binding peptide has the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76, thereby inhibiting malignant cell growth and cell metastasis. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said polypeptide is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 159.